At CESI, the health and safety of our participants and employees are our top priorities. While there have been no cases of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at CESI, we are taking vigilant steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, from deep-cleaning each of our sites to daily precautionary measures to prevent the spread of germs.
We have been working closely with public health officials to stay up to date on developments that could affect our community. Currently, the state is encouraging adult day health providers and other community-based health agencies to remain open and we are complying with all state recommendations. However, we are encouraging caregivers to begin to think of contingency plans in case the need to close our sites becomes necessary.
The following information provides you with guidance on how to protect yourself from COVID-19 and what to do if you think you may have symptoms.
Protection Against Respiratory Illness
To help protect yourself from respiratory infections, practice good hygiene by:
- Refraining from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue and clean your hands. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
- Avoiding shaking hands with others.
- Avoiding direct contact with sick people.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness for confirmed cases of COVID-19. The following symptoms may occur 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you develop any of the following symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Bluish lips or face
What to Do if You are at Risk
If you have been to an affected region within the last 14 days or you have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days and:
You Have Symptoms
- Stay away from other people
- Phone your doctor without delay
- Describe your condition and follow your doctor’s directions
You Do Not Have Symptoms
- Monitor your condition carefully
- Follow the prevention measures
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, etc. to be at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. If you are among those groups, it is important to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
You Have Symptoms
- Stay home and call your doctor
- Inform your healthcare provider of your symptoms and follow their directions
- If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home
- Know when to get emergency help
You Do Not Have Symptoms
- Have supplies on hand
- Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
- Limit close contact with others who are sick and wash your hands often
- Avoid crowds as much as possible
- Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air-travel
- If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk
- Have a plan for if you become sick and determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick
For the latest information on COVID-19 and its impact in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website. CESI will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep our community updated with any changes.
